Some of you may have already read my previous posts about using the iPhone app 'Snatch' as a remote control for Plex. I've been communicating with Snatch's developer, Dan over the last few months, offering suggestions on ways to make the app better and more customizable as a remote for use with Plex. Dan has been extremely receptive, and added many of the features that I requested. I have had the opportunity to Beta test the new improvements for the last few weeks, and am really enjoying the the new improved app. I was able to stretch the intended limits for the new features to create a completely custom Plex remote control, and thanks to another new feature, the ability to save your remote screens to your computer, I am able to share my creation with any Plex users who have an iTouch device with the app 'Snatch' installed. I know I sound like a commercial, but I just really like this app, and think it has really helped make my Plex experience what it is, so I want to share.

I actually created two different remote screens (Snatch lets you have four).

Here is the main remote:

The second remote screen requires adding a custom keyboard.xml file to accommodate the advanced features. There's not a lot of space on the keyboard for adding shortcuts, so I replaced the global shortcuts for the numbers 0-9, which I wasn't using anyway. This screen lets you go instantly to the majority of Plex's main screens, settings, etc. I also left the two red buttons non-descript, so that each user could customize them to their own needs. I have mine set to wake and sleep my media server. For the download-able screen, I set them to default to launch dvd player and itunes, but as I said, you can set them to do whatever you'd like within Snatch. Really, all the buttons can be changed, but I designed them to be connected to specific functions.

The XML file needs to be placed in in ~/Library/Application Support/Plex/, in a folder called 'keymaps'. If you haven't previously made any additions, you'll need to create the 'keymaps' folder yourself.

You can download the custom XML file above, or if you have already made some customizations and you want to add to your current file,
here are the changes that need to be added for the second remote to work:

If you want to create the XML file from scratch using the above code, just copy and paste the code into a text editor and name it 'keyboard.xml', then save it in ~/Library/Application Support/Plex/

I also added another line that will allow you to use the menu button on the main remote screen to bring up the video OSD while watching a video. You used to be able to do this with the return key, but it was changed with the latest release.

Once you have downloaded these remote screen files, it's pretty easy to install them in Snatch. You just select edit on one of the remote screens in Snatch, and choose 'Load screen'. A dialog box will appear on your desktop asking which file to use. You just choose it, accept the screen on your iTouch device, and it should be ready to use.

Check out the Snatch website for more details on all the new features found in the latest release of Snatch, and how to use them.

Note that they're exactly the same as the ones you changed, with a few minor opening and closing tags. These nine commands will simply override the original commands within the Plex app, but the remaining hundreds of commands will still operate normally.

Now when Plex is updated, you can update without fear, because this keymap resides in the Application Support folder, which is left alone during application upgrades.

Nice job Aargh-a-Knot! I like the overall design, button layout and color scheme. I'll have to get this going over the weekend. I already have me some Snatch, but to be honest, I haven't been using it that much lately. I may even need a little refresher._________________My Setup

That looks really nice, but I wish someone would make a Plex remote like the one for Boxee. I like that Gesture Mode they have. It's just simple and free flowing. I find most of these other iPhone remotes to be so cramped. I'm always hitting the wrong button or having to look down at it. That being said, more buttons usually equals more functionality. That definitely looks to be the case with Aargh's creation.

That looks really nice, but I wish someone would make a Plex remote like the one for Boxee. I like that Gesture Mode they have. It's just simple and free flowing. I find most of these other iPhone remotes to be so cramped. I'm always hitting the wrong button or having to look down at it.

That's one of the reasons why I like Rowmote so much - it's just plain and simple. It also works with a bunch of applications (like Plex, Boxee, Front Row and EyeTV) and includes a launcher and screen toggle. And it does all this for 99 cents, I might add.